An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., to eat, to run, to study). While infinitives are easy to form, their usage can vary depending on sentence structure. Understanding how to use infinitives correctly is crucial for writing clear, grammatically correct sentences.
Quick Answer: What Is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the -to form of a verb that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
Examples of infinitives:
- To read is important for gaining knowledge. (To read is the subject.)
- I want to swim in the pool. (To swim is the object.)
- She went to buy some groceries. (To buy shows purpose.)
Infinitives are used in a variety of sentence roles, allowing for flexible expression.
How Infinitives Are Formed
Infinitives are formed by placing to before the base form of a verb. This construction enables verbs to take on roles typically filled by nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Examples:
- To eat
- To run
- To dance
- To study
Each of these infinitives can function differently depending on the sentence structure.
Types of Infinitives and Their Functions
Infinitives serve several roles in a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, adjectives, or adverbs. Here’s how they function in each case:
Infinitives as Subjects
An infinitive can be the subject of a sentence, representing the action or activity being discussed.
Example:
- To travel the world is my dream.
In this sentence, to travel is the subject. It is the action being talked about.
Infinitives as Objects
Infinitives can also serve as the object of a verb. They represent the activity or action being done.
Example:
- I like to read books in my free time.
Here, to read is the object of the verb like.
Infinitives as Adjectives
Infinitives can describe nouns, functioning as adjectives to give more information about a noun.
Example:
- She has a lot of work to do.
In this sentence, to do describes work, telling us what kind of work.
Infinitives as Adverbs
Infinitives can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, explaining why or how something is done.
Example:
- He stopped to eat lunch.
Here, to eat modifies the verb stopped, explaining why he stopped.
When to Use Infinitives
Infinitives are commonly used in the following contexts:
1. After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are followed by infinitives, such as want, need, hope, and decide.
Example:
- I want to learn Spanish.
2. After Adjectives
Some adjectives are followed by infinitives to express feelings or intentions.
Example:
- She is ready to leave.
3. To Express Purpose
Infinitives are often used to express the purpose of an action.
Example:
- He studied to pass the exam.
In this sentence, the purpose of studying is expressed by the infinitive to pass.
When Not to Use Infinitives
While infinitives are versatile, they should not be used in place of gerunds with certain verbs. Some verbs, such as enjoy, mind, and avoid, require gerunds instead of infinitives.
Incorrect:
- I enjoy to read books.
Correct:
- I enjoy reading books.
Infinitives are also used incorrectly when they follow verbs that do not take them, such as prefer.
Incorrect:
- He prefers to eat pizza.
Correct:
- He prefers eating pizza.
Common Mistakes with Infinitives
1. Confusing Infinitives with Gerunds
Both infinitives and gerunds end in -ing, but they serve different purposes. Infinitives act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, while gerunds act only as nouns.
Incorrect:
- She suggested to go to the store.
Correct:
- She suggested going to the store.
2. Using Infinitives After Certain Verbs Incorrectly
Some verbs do not take infinitives, and using them incorrectly can make sentences sound awkward.
Incorrect:
- I can’t imagine to do that.
Correct:
- I can’t imagine doing that.
Correct Examples of Infinitives in Sentences
| Infinitive as Subject | Infinitive as Object | Infinitive as Complement |
|---|---|---|
| To travel is my dream. | She wants to dance. | His goal is to win. |
| To write takes patience. | They decided to study. | The plan is to succeed. |
Quick Memory Fix or Rule of Thumb
Infinitives are verb forms with to. They can act as subjects, objects, adjectives, or adverbs. When you see to followed by a verb, check to see if it’s functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb to determine if it’s an infinitive.
FAQs
What is an infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by to, such as to eat, to run, or to write.
Can an infinitive be the subject of a sentence?
Yes, infinitives can act as the subject of a sentence, like in “To read is fun.”
What are common mistakes with infinitives?
Common mistakes include using infinitives with verbs that require gerunds or confusing infinitives with present participles.
When should you use infinitives instead of gerunds?
Infinitives should be used after certain verbs (like want, need, hope) and adjectives (like ready, eager, happy) or when expressing purpose.
How do you spot infinitives in sentences?
Look for the verb form that begins with to and check if it is functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Conclusion
Infinitives are a versatile and essential part of English grammar. Mastering when and how to use them correctly will help you create clear, concise, and grammatically sound sentences. By understanding their roles as subjects, objects, adjectives, and adverbs, you can enhance your writing and express ideas more effectively. Practice using infinitives in different contexts to improve your fluency and writing skills.
